DNA Analysis: Forensic Fluids and Follicles

Children's Literature - Melissa Stickles

DNA is everywhere! On your toothbrush, on your comb and in your saliva. Crime lab forensic scientists use swabs to collect DNA from almost anything. DNA was first discovered in 1868 and has since become the blueprint for life. The word forensics refers to science and technology employed to investigate crimes that will be used as facts in a court of law. These facts are used by law enforcement agencies to identify people involved in crimes since DNA is the material inside the center of every cell of human genes—and every person's genes are different, much like a fingerprint. Beautiful photographs and enlarged microscopic images bring to life the journey of DNA as it is used both to identify the guilty in a crime and to clear the innocent. Observe how DNA can be utilized to track criminals and as evidence in a criminal case. Find out how profiles of DNA are kept in computers as a national database for law enforcement agencies all over the country. See how DNA was collected and was an important element in the famous Simpson/Goldman murders in 1994 as well as how it has been changed and improved today. Complete with a glossary of important terms, this book is a valuable resource to educate those interested in the scientific areas of law enforcement. Reviewer: Melissa Stickles